50 Drinks in 50 States: A Moscow Mule in Wisconsin

Ready to drink your way around the country? Stock your liquor cabinet, 'cause we're featuring drinks in all 50 states, plus recipes so you can make them at home. Wisconsin gets to go first!

Wisconsin may be famous for its delish cheese, but there is way more to it than that. Some awesome things have come out of Wisconsin, like Orson Welles (the guy behind Citizen Kane) and Les Paul (the creator of amazing electric guitars). With over 15,000 lakes, Wisco has a ton of nature to explore and a special place in our hearts.

This state also knows how to party, with a wild college culture and some great small towns. Madison is consistently named one of the top college towns in the country. (Go Badgers!) It’s home to some of the best Bloody Marys, Old Fashioneds, and Moscow Mules around. Yum.

Moscow Mules in particular are having a moment, especially in Wisconsin! Here's what you need to know... and don't worry, we've got two recipes for you, too.

Way Back When

Also known as a vodka buck, the Moscow Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It comes in a copper mug with plenty of ice. So it tastes good and it looks cool, too.

The origins of this cocktail are a little bit blurry. The story starts in the 1940s when vodka was fairly unpopular. Then a vodka salesman, a ginger beer enthusiast, and a copper cup manufacturer all walked into a bar and the Moscow Mule was born... no, seriously.

As for the name, people associated vodka with Russia, so that explains "Moscow". Nobody really knows about the "mule" part. Some people think it's because of the strong kick from the ginger. A little mystery makes the drink taste even better, right?

Wanna Make It?

Sound tasty? Shake one up at home. This recipe is for one—double it so you can cheers with a friend:

1.5 oz vodka

½ oz lime juice

½ cup ginger beer

1 lime wedge

Mix the vodka and lime juice into a mug, like this one. Add plenty of ice cubes and the ginger beer, then stir to combine. Drop a lime wedge into the mug for garnish.